If you thought electric cars were exciting, then you’ll love the idea of an electric plane.

Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Siemens are said to be investing tens of millions of pounds in to developing electric plane technology, meaning that we could see electric technology on commercial flights by 2025.

The technology is being developed with the aim of cutting pollution to create a cleaner aviation, and is said to be available for testing as early as 2020. Although fully electric flights aren’t currently achievable, it is still possible to create a hybrid technology which incorporates an electric engine with three jet engines.

But how would this work? And what is the point?

This new venture has been put in place due to piling pressure from the EU on improving aviation pollution, who aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60%, nitrogen oxide pollution by 90% and reduce noise by 75%.

But will people see the benefit?

We’re constantly seeing a rapid advance in technology, but we never stop to appreciate the beauty of the technology itself and what it can do for not only us, but for our planet.

Did you know that a return flight from New York to California generates around 20% of the greenhouse gases that your car emits over an entire year?

Electric engines would not only reduce air pollution, but also noise pollution. Residential areas located close to airports will notice a reduction in noise pollution made from the take-off and landing of planes. This eventually could lead to more night flights as noise would no longer be an issue, and would also accommodate the increase in overall aircraft numbers which is predicted to double within the next 20 years.

But it’s not all about us. Electric engines are also great news for airlines, as jet fuel adds up to a huge portion of their costs, typically varying between 17% to 36% of their overall expenses.

What are your thoughts? Are you excited for quiet planes and more night flights? SCS Technology would love to hear your thoughts on Twitter @SCSTechnology.